We have about 5 to 6 million sensory receptors in our nose, and honestly, that seems quite a lot until you find out that an average dog has around 100-300 million sensory receptors. Their brains also possess a scent-processing center that is roughly 40 times larger than ours.
So if we can detect a single teaspoon of sugar in our morning coffee. Then a dog with the strongest sense of smell can detect the same teaspoon of sugar inside two Olympic-sized swimming pools. Isn’t it crazy? Some videos usually circulate on social media that show the dog is constantly trying to point out something about their owner.
But the owner actually had some health issues he wasn’t aware of and found them after the assessment. So, it’s actually wild how dogs can detect explosives, game birds, and even changes in your body. Dr. Meaghan Thomas, DVM at East Ridge Animal Hospital, said,
“They can tell through the smell whether the prey or predator has visited the area or if food is available.”
So, if you want a dog to be your watchdog, hunting partner or farm dog then a sense of smell is nonnegotiable. We have listed the 9 dog breeds with the strongest olfactory receptors in this guide. You will also learn about their snouts, what they can do, their temperament and training needs.
Classic Dog Breeds Boasting the Strongest Sense of Smell
1. Bloodhound
Bloodhounds are gentle, patient and mannered dogs that were bred to track large game like deer. Their sense of smell is so accurate that their tracking results are also acceptable in almost all counts, as per the AKC.
These large dogs have long deep muzzle with scent-detecting tissues to catch the smell. In addition, every feature on their head has a purpose. Bloodhounds drop their noise on the ground and their long droopy ears act as natural boomers and increase tracking ability.
That being said, they do drool so be prepared if you are planning to get them. Bloodhounds may look lazy but they need an hour or more daily exercise for mental stimulation. Plus, they have short dense coat that sheds moderately to heavily throughout the year. So, you almost have to brush weekly to remove loose hairs.
2. Basset Hound
Basset Hounds are instantly recognizable due to their low bodies, droopy eyes and heavy wrinkles. They might look like they want to sleep every time, but they actually got best tracking nose. These dogs move at a lower pace which makes them perfect hunting companions for rabbits, hares and deer.
Their short heavy boned legs keep their long muzzle close to the ground so they don’t have to strain or bend down to lock a scent trail. Apart from this, their long velvety ears push all scent particles toward the nose and heavy skin folds on their face trap them under the snout.
This is how they track the food, wounded animals or even you. That being said, Basset Hounds actually love naps but they still require daily exercise for 45-60 minutes. They have an independent streak so train them with patience and keep them leashed so they don’t track the scent of your neighborhood kids or pets.
3. Beagle
Beagles are famous for their soulful brown eyes, floppy ears and tracking abilities. They are also called merry dogs with a cheerful, outgoing and affectionate personality. Their scent receptors are so strong that even the US government specifically employs the Beagle Brigades to sniff out products in international airports.
Apart from this, their short legged stature allows them to keep their head down so they can track easily. Beagles also have open wide nostrils with a medium length muzzle that catch the scent trails for longer. That being said, they are actually high energy dogs so they do need plenty of daily exercise.
Beagles also have an independent streak and stubborn nature so use positive reinforcement and tasty treats to engage them. Make sure to keep training sessions short and fun so they don’t get bored. In addition, they have a short double coat that sheds moderately and requires brushing a few times a week.
4. German Shepherd
German Shepherds are loyal, courageous and deeply devoted to their families. They were bred as herding and farm dogs but also served into military and police work due to their intelligence, agility and tracking abilities.
GSDs have roughly 225 million olfactory receptors and long deep muzzle which strengthens their scent detection. These tracking dogs keep their heads high into the wind to catch floating scents and follow the moving targets.
That being said, German Shepherds have that independent or stubborn nature so you can easily train them with positive reinforcement and early socialization. However, they do require vigorous exercise and brushing two to three times a week as they shed heavily throughout the year.
5. Dachshund
Dachshunds have long elongated bodies, short little legs and bright curious eyes. They were bred to be hunting hounds and in fact, their name literally translates to Badger Dog, as noted by Britannica.
These dogs have a long snout that is cone-shaped and catches the scent easily. In addition, their chest just sits inches from the soil so they don’t have to lower their heads to find the scent trails. That being said, Dachshunds are prone to intervertebral disc diseases (IVDD) so don’t let them jump even if they try to.
Plus, they are highly independent and stubborn and we all know what’s better than tasty treats to engage them. However, they can have smooth and even wirehairs so their shedding and grooming needs also differ.
6. Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are famous as all-around dogs, from being family pets to being retrievers. They have warm eyes, a wagging tail and a gentle nature but apart from these their wide and square snout has also been quite popular.
Labs were actually bred to retrieve from lakes and marshes so they can easily sniff out odors in water. Honestly, they can detect the scent of oil, hidden underwater objects and even wounded game animals from water.
That being said, they respond well to positive reinforcement and treats so you can train them. Plus, they need at least 60 to 90 minutes of daily exercise for mental stimulation.
7. Belgian Malinois
Belgian Malinois are agile and loyal pups that were bred to work as herding and livestock guarding dogs. But they have also served the military and police in search and rescue missions.
They are the best air scenters and tracing experts due to their long muzzle and agility. Their respiratory system inhales and filters air molecules rapidly while running so they can instantly detect explosives, narcotics and even human targets.
That being said, Belgian Malinois requires vigorous exercise for mental stimulation. Plus, they have a high drive to work and cooperate so you can teach them commands easily with positive reinforcement. But still they require an experienced handler as they are sensitive, fast and powerful.
8. Redbone Coonhound
Redbone Coonhounds have long velvety ears, ruby red coats and athletic bodies. They were bred as fast, athletic and agile hounds with a gentle and affectionate nature.
VCA Animal Hospitals mentions that these Coonhounds actually are hot-nosed as they can only pick up the recent and fresh scent trails. Redbone Coonhounds have long muzzle with wide and flexible nostrils so they can inhale massive air with every breath and their ears also keep the trail close to their nose.
That being said, they have high stamina and require active daily exercise including long hikes, brisk jogs and games of fetch. They also have high prey drive and independent streak so you have to be patient and consistent when training them.
9. Bluetick Coonhound
Bluetick Coonhounds were to be cold-nosed hunters so they can pick up a trail that other dogs couldn’t even detect and track. They have long, deep and square muzzles and low hanging ears with droopy lips that actually make their task much easier.
They are actually high-endurance athletes, so they require vigorous daily exercise and mental stimulation. On top of that, they are fiercely independent and stubborn but food is their weakness so use treats and positive reinforcement to engage and train them.
That being said, Bluetick Coonhounds have a slightly musty hound odor and shed moderately. So, you have to brush them weekly to remove loose fur and keep the coat clean.
Conclusion
The above-mentioned dog breeds have a strong sense of smell to track game animals, explosive and even humans. Some of them are good at tracking cold scent trails while others are hot nosed and some of them can do both.
These dogs differ in their coat, shedding and grooming needs. Apart from this, they also differ in their exercise and training demands, so it’s important to read about them before getting one.
